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What is I’m a Scientist USA?

Do you want the long version or the short version? Just for you we’ve written a short version and a longer version for teachers and scientists, feel free to use it in emails and newsletters. We’ve also supplied some useful images.

For Scientists (the long version)

Like American Idol for scientists!

I’m a Scientist USA is an American Idol-style competition between scientists, where the students are the judges. You put up a profile on our website, answer questions and have live online (text) chats with school science students. Students vote and the winning scientist gets $500 to communicate their work to the public.

“When I first heard about I’m A Scientist from a good friend of mine, it was the day before the deadline, and I had absolutely, 100% no idea what to expect. I wasn’t even totally clear on what I was signing up for, or how much time I was going to have to set aside for it! But I cannot imagine a better use of my time the last two weeks than interacting with my fellow scientists and the amazing students that whole time.” – Jeff Shi, University of Michigan

Everything happens on the web, so you can join in without leaving your desk. The event runs over 2 weeks.

It’s a unique, fun way of developing communication skills, gaining a fresh perspective on your research, and finding out what young people think about science and the role of scientists.

When you apply you’ll be asked to fill in a 1 sentence summary of your work – make this interesting and understandable to 13/14 year olds, as a panel of students will then select the researchers to take part.

For Scientists (the short version)

Like American Idol for scientists!

Apply now for I’m a Scientist USA! – a 2 week long online competition for scientists, where students are the judges. You put up a profile on the website, answer questions and have live online text chats with school science students. Students vote and the winning scientist gets $500 to spend on communicating their work.

For Teachers (the long version)

Free enrichment project: like American Idol for scientists!

I’m a Scientist USA is a free online American Idol style competition for scientists, where students are the judges. Your students read the scientists’ profiles, ask them questions and have live online text chats with them. Students vote for their favorite scientist to win $500 to spend on communicating their work to the public.

“We had a good day with a lot of engagement. The kids were actually talking science today as they thought about things they are curious about, this was really nice to see as was the fact that all engaged in finding out about each scientist.” – Alan Siegel, Teacher, High School of the Future

Students become more enthused about science, learn that science lessons relate to real life, and see that scientists are normal people.

It is completely free for schools. It’s open to all secondary students, but most commonly used by Grade 7 and 8 students. All teachers are sent a Teacher Pack with lesson plans and a science debate kit, to help introduce students to the event and reduce the lesson planning required.

For Teachers (the short version)

Free enrichment project: like American Idol for scientists!

Register now for I’m a Scientist USA! Your students talk online with scientists over a 2 week period and vote for their winner. Students become more enthused about science, learn that science and maths lessons relate to real life, and see that scientists are normal people.